We are pleased to introduce you to Will, Lili and Morgan. Please read their stories below.
Lili’s Story
Lili was born a healthy baby, but contracted severe meningitis at 8 weeks. This caused significant brain damage resulting in a developmental delay. Her remarkable recovery was through her sheer determination to survive and achieve.
For the first 3 years of her life Lili smiled her way through intensive therapies which helped her to walk and develop her fine motor skills. However her ability to communicate was significantly delayed and stepping outside her familiar environment was very traumatic.
The STaR program, helped Lili to lose her fear and mistrust of the unknown. Her language skills developed dramatically through the guidance of STaR teachers and also through the interaction with other typically developing children.
Lili is now 11 years old and attends a special school. Her achievements are celebrated every day.
Morgan’s Story
Morgan was born with a rare type of Muscular Dystrophy called Ullrich’s Congenital Muscular Dystrophy. This means he has respiratory problems, muscle wastage and muscular fatigue. Morgan’s physical disabilities mean he will never be able to participate fully in a physical environment, therefore accessibility will always be an issue for him and his family.
Morgan was a STaR child for 3 years during which time his cheeky and loving personality emerged, combined with a fierce determination to overcome the barriers that his disability presents. The STaR program helped Morgan to develop his social and communication skills as well as specific gross motor skills through the interaction with other typically developing children. These children saw beyond Morgan’s disabilities and together Morgan, his classmates and STaR demonstrated that disability is no barrier to learning. Morgan commenced mainstream school in January 2010.
Will’s Story
Will spent the first months of his life in an overseas orphanage – neglected and undernourished. Arriving to his new home in Australia at 6 months old, Will couldn’t crawl, play or grasp his mother’s finger. He was diagnosed with mild Global Developmental Delay.
Gradually his naturally cheeky and loving personality emerged and he began to learn how to be a toddler – walking at 27 months and speaking his first words soon after. Although Will had other early intervention services, it was only once he started with STaR that he really began to shine.
Now, at 10 years, Will is outgoing, active and very keen to learn. The patience and stimulation, provided by STaR staff, enabled Will to overcome his difficult start to life helping him to reach his full potential. Will now attends a mainstream school, with his sister and is doing well.
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